Relating to unlawful solicitation and distribution of a voter registration application; creating a criminal offense.
Impact
The bill significantly impacts how voter registration is managed by state and local officials. By criminalizing unsolicited actions by officials, it seeks to prevent potential abuses or coercive tactics that could influence voter registration data. The measure is designed to uphold the sanctity of the registration process and ensure that it remains voluntary and driven by individual initiative rather than official intervention. This alteration could reshape the responsibilities of election officials by imposing stricter limits on their engagement with under-registered populations.
Summary
Senate Bill 2362 proposes new regulations regarding the solicitation and distribution of voter registration applications in Texas. The bill amends Chapter 276 of the Election Code to introduce Section 276.0175, which defines unlawful practices by public and election officials in this context. Under this amendment, it becomes a state jail felony for officials to solicit or distribute voter registration applications to individuals who have not requested them, thereby raising significant consequences for non-compliance. This legislation aims to enhance the integrity of the voter registration process by limiting unsolicited voter registration efforts.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB2362 include concerns over its implications for community outreach efforts. Critics of the bill argue that by prohibiting officials from proactively assisting with voter registration, it could lead to decreased registration rates, particularly among marginalized groups who might not seek out registration information themselves. Proponents, however, assert that the bill is necessary to protect against fraudulent practices and ensure that all solicitations for registration come from informed individuals. The balance between protecting voter rights and maintaining a secure voting process is central to this debate.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Election Code
Chapter 276. Miscellaneous Offenses And Other Provisions
Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.
Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.
Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.
Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.